
Check with your local Medicare carrier or private insurance company for their rules and requirements before billing for smoking cessation. The documentation in the medical record must support the billing of the cessation code.
How do I Bill for smoking cessation?
Check with your local Medicare carrier or private insurance company for their rules and requirements before billing for smoking cessation. The documentation in the medical record must support the billing of the cessation code.
Does Medicare pay for smoking cessation services?
Medicare Coverage for Smoking Cessation 1 Medicare provides coverage for smoking cessation, including prescription medications and counseling services. 2 Coverage is provided through Medicare parts B and D or through a Medicare Advantage plan. 3 Quitting smoking has many advantages, and there are lots of resources to help you along the journey.
Is smoking cessation for 3 minutes covered by CPT?
While this is a medically necessary and payable service, there are some documentation requirements to support billing, which are more substantial than simply including the phrase “smoking cessation for 3 minutes.” Two different CPT time-based codes may be used to capture this service:
Does Medicare cover smoking and tobacco?
Medicare’s prescription drug benefit also covers smoking and tobacco-use cessation agents prescribed by a physician. CMS specifies symptomatic patient criteria as beneficiaries “who use tobacco and have been diagnosed with a recognized tobacco-related disease or who exhibit symptoms consistent with tobacco related disease.”

What ICD 10 code to use for smoking cessation?
F17. 211 Nicotine dependence, cigarettes, in remission.
What is the CPT code for smoking cessation?
99406 and 99407The CPT codes for smoking cessation (99406 and 99407) are used for all payers for patients who are symptomatic as a result of smoking.
What modifier do you use with 99406?
“25” modifierMSCAN Tobacco Cessation Coverage If billed alone, 99406 and 99407 are reimbursed. When billed with another evaluation and management code, the codes will bundle to a single fee. To allow payment in this circumstance, providers should append a “25” modifier for 99406 or 99407 codes.
Can you bill 99406 with G0439?
In addition, the following services can also now be billed when using audio only: Advance Care Planning (CPT 99497, 99498) Annual Wellness Visits (HCPCS G0438, G0439) Smoking Cessation Services (CPT 99406, 99407)
Does Medicare pay for g0447?
Medicare pays for ongoing face-to-face behavioral counseling for patients with a BMI of ≥ 30, who are alert and able to participate in counseling.
Who can bill CPT 99401?
ProvidersProviders may bill CPT 99401 with ICD-10 code Z71. 89 for no member cost-share. Providers are encouraged to counsel all members who have not yet received their COVID-19 vaccination. This service can be provided by MD/DO, NP, PA, and/or CNM.
What DX code covers 99406?
CPT code 99406 is used to report for smoking and tobacco cessation counseling requiring three to 10 minutes of time and CPT code 99407 for counseling requiring more than ten minutes.
Who can bill CPT 99406?
Medicare and most private insurers pay for physicians, NPs and PAs to counsel patients about stopping tobacco use.
Is 99406 An e m?
Smoking cessation (99406 and 99407) services were developed as E/M services and may be reported with the E/M services 99201-99205 and 99211-99215.
What is the difference between G0438 and G0439?
As a reminder, there are two codes related to the AWV: G0438 (includes a personalized prevention plan of service, initial visit) and G0439 ( includes a personalized prevention plan of service, subsequent visit).
What is the difference between G0439 and 99397?
A full physical exam, 99397, is different than an Annual Wellness Visit, G0438/G0439, or “Welcome to Medicare Exam”, G0402. A full physical 99397 or 99387 is NOT covered by Medicare and patients are responsible for the cost and can be billed.
Does G0439 need a modifier?
Along with code G0438 or G0439, CPT code modifier -25 must be appended to the medically necessary E&M service.
How Does Medicare Pay For Smoking Cessation Counseling Visits?
Original Medicare is made up of Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Medicare Part B (medical insurance). Smoking cessation treatment is covere...
What If I Need More Help Quitting Smoking?
According to the CDC, quitting smoking is difficult (research suggests that nicotine may be as addictive as heroin, cocaine, and alcohol) and may r...
Medicare Plans With Prescription Drug Coverage
If your physician prescribes prescription drugs to help with smoking cessation, please note that Original Medicare coverage of prescription drugs i...
Where Can I Get More Information About Medicare Coverage For Smoking Cessation?
Quitting smoking is never easy, and many people need support in order to succeed. The good news is that, if you are eligible for Medicare, you may...
What are some ways to help with smoking cessation?
Using programs that deliver treatments via mobile phones, such as advice and tips via text message on your mobile phone. According to the CDC, there are also certain medications for smoking cessation that have been found to be effective, including: Over-the-counter products like nicotine patches, gums, or lozenges.
How to quit smoking?
According to the CDC, the following ways have been proven effective for smokers who want help quitting: 1 Talking briefly to your doctor for advice 2 Attending individual or group counseling sessions, in person or by phone 3 Trying behavioral therapies like problem-solving training 4 Using programs that deliver treatments via mobile phones, such as advice and tips via text message on your mobile phone 5 According to the CDC, there are also certain medications for smoking cessation that have been found to be effective, including: 6 Nicotine-replacement products#N#Over-the-counter products like nicotine patches, gums, or lozenges#N#Prescription products like nicotine patches, inhalers, or nasal sprays 7 Prescription non-nicotine medications, like Zyban or Chantix
How many counseling visits does Medicare cover?
Medicare will cover up to eight face-to-face smoking cessation counseling visits in a 12-month period, if the visits are provided by a qualified physician or other practitioner who accepts Medicare assignment. Please remember that you are never too old to quit. Find affordable Medicare plans in your area. Find Plans.
How many sessions of counseling are required for Medicare?
Your health-care provider must accept Medicare assignment. The eight sessions must occur in one 12-month period, and you’re eligible for further counseling during the next 12-month period.
Does Medicare Advantage cover vision?
Again, please check the plan’s formulary. Medicare Advantage plans must cover all the treatment, equipment, and services covered by Original Medicare, but they may also offer additional benefits such as routine dental and vision care and wellness benefits.
Is it easy to quit smoking?
Quitting smoking is never easy, and many people need support in order to succeed. The good news is that, if you are eligible for Medicare, you may have options to help you quit. I’d be happy to discuss your Medicare plan options with you if you’d like.
Can you change your prescription drug plan at any time?
Please note that the formulary may change at any time, and you will receive a notice from your plan when necessary. There is another way to receive prescription drug coverage—through a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plan.
How many cessation attempts does CMS cover?
CMS will cover two cessation attempts per year. An attempt may include up to four intermediate or intensive sessions, so up to eight sessions could be covered in a 12-month period. It must be noted that other payers may cover cessation attempts at different frequencies.
How long does a 99406 counseling visit take?
99406-Smoking and tobacco use cessation counseling visit; intermediate, greater than 3 minutes and up to 10 minutes. 99407-Smoking and tobacco use cessation counseling visit, intensive, greater than 10 minutes.
Is there a smoking cessation policy for LG XL?
LG. XL. There are no required guidelines on what type of smoking cessation should be administered, but the service should be documented and reported.
Is smoking cessation care billed?
Answer: Smoking cessation care is often administered and not billed. In other instances, it may be billed, but not fully supported in the documentation. While this is a medically necessary and payable service, there are some documentation requirements to support billing, which are more substantial than simply including the phrase “smoking cessation ...
How long does it take to get tobacco cessation counseling?
Medicare Part B (provider component) covers two levels of tobacco cessation counseling for symptomatic and asymptomatic patients: intermediate (great than 3 minutes but no more than 10 minutes) and intensive (greater than 10 minutes).
What is Medicaid managed care?
Medicaid managed care organizations (MCOs) are required to provide at least a comparable level of benefits to the fee-for-service option (77 percent of state Medicaid recipients are currently served by Medicaid MCOs).
What is HCPCS coding?
Similar to the CPT code set, HCPCS is a standardized coding set used by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, as well as other payers. Like CPT, it includes three levels or categories of codes:
Is tobacco use covered by Medicare?
Tobacco use status is now embedded in most of the major electronic health records and evidence-based tobacco cessation counseling and pharmacotherapy covered by Medicare, Medicaid and most private health plans. Despite improved documentation and coverage, few providers bill for cessation services.
Does the Affordable Care Act cover tobacco?
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) expanded tobacco cessation coverage for the Medicaid population, but gives states the ability to distinguish between the standard Medicaid and Medicaid expansion populations in terms of cessation coverage.
Does smoking cause lung disease?
Most people associate cigarette smoking with lung disease. But many don’t realize that smoking causes harm throughout the entire body in many different ways. Smoking doesn’t just cause people to die sooner. Smokers are more prone to diseases that lower their quality of life.
Does Medicare cover smoking cessation?
Stopping smoking is one of the BEST things you can do for your overall health. But it’s easier said than done. If you speak to your doctor about quitting smoking, Medicare may pay for you to participate in a program that will help you give up smoking for good.
How many smoking cessation sessions are covered by Medicare?
As you decide which options are best for you, keep in mind that: Medicare considers smoking cessation preventive care. You can get eight smoking cessation counseling sessions fully covered each year, as long as your provider is enrolled in Medicare.
How to stop smoking when you have the urge?
finding alternatives that can replace smoking when you have the urge. removing tobacco products, as well as lighters and ashtrays, from your home, car, or office. learning how quitting can benefit your health. understanding the emotional and physical effects you might go through while quitting.
How many counseling sessions are there for a smoker?
Each attempt includes four face-to-face counseling sessions, for a total of eight covered sessions per year. Along with counseling, your doctor might recommend prescription medications to help you quit smoking. Medicare Part B doesn’t cover prescriptions, but you can purchase this coverage with a Medicare Part D (prescription drug) plan.
Does Medicare cover smoking cessation?
Medicare provides coverage for smoking cessation, including prescription medications and counseling services. Coverage is provided through Medicare parts B and D or through a Medicare Advantage plan. Quitting smoking has many advantages, and there are lots of resources to help you along the journey. If you’re ready to quit smoking, Medicare can ...
Does Medicare cover counseling?
The cost of your eight counseling sessions will be completely covered by Medicare as long as you use a Medicare-approved provider. Your only cost will be your Part B monthly premium (or the premium for your Medicare Advantage plan), but this will be the same amount you usually pay.
Can you get group counseling with Medicare?
The counselor you choose must be approved by Medicare if you want to have the services covered. You must also be a current smoker and be actively enrolled in Medicare.
Does Medicare cover over the counter nicotine?
This way, your body will adjust to less and less nicotine. Original Medicare doesn’t cover any of these over-the-counter products. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, though, it might include some coverage or discounts on these products.
What is original Medicare?
Your costs in Original Medicare. An agreement by your doctor, provider, or supplier to be paid directly by Medicare, to accept the payment amount Medicare approves for the service, and not to bill you for any more than the Medicare deductible and coinsurance. .
What is Medicare Part B?
Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) Part B covers certain doctors' services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services . covers up to 8 visits of smoking and tobacco-use cessation counseling visits in a 12-month period smoking if you use tobacco.
Decision Summary
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has determined that the evidence is adequate to conclude that smoking and tobacco use cessation counseling, based on the current U.S. Public Health Service (PHS) Guideline, is reasonable and necessary for a patient with a disease or an adverse health effect that has been found by the U.S.
Decision Memo
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has determined that the evidence is adequate to conclude that smoking and tobacco use cessation counseling, based on the current U.S. Public Health Service (PHS) Guideline, is reasonable and necessary for a patient with a disease or an adverse health effect that has been found by the U.S.
How many counseling sessions are covered by Medicare?
The total annual benefit covers up to eight smoking and tobacco-use cessation counseling sessions in a 12-month period. The beneficiary may receive another eight counseling sessions during a second or subsequent year after 11 months have passed since the first Medicare covered cessation counseling session was performed.
How to improve your chances of reimbursement?
Proper documentation and verifying coverage criteria prior to claim submission can improve your chances for reimbursement. Many healthcare providers perform tobacco use counseling daily, but they may not be documenting or reporting it appropriately. Reliable guidance is needed to ensure all performed services are claimed ...
Does Medicare cover cessation counseling?
Private payers may follow CMS’ direction when it comes to billing requirements for these services; however, it’s important to know your patient’s insurance benefits.#N#Medicare will cover two cessation attempts per year. Each attempt may include a maximum of four intermediate or intensive counseling sessions.#N#The total annual benefit covers up to eight smoking and tobacco-use cessation counseling sessions in a 12-month period. The beneficiary may receive another eight counseling sessions during a second or subsequent year after 11 months have passed since the first Medicare covered cessation counseling session was performed.#N#Example: The beneficiary received the first of eight covered sessions in January 2011. The count starts beginning February 2011. The beneficiary is eligible to receive a second series of eight sessions in January 2012. Medicare’s prescription drug benefit also covers smoking and tobacco-use cessation agents prescribed by a physician.#N#CMS specifies symptomatic patient criteria as beneficiaries “who use tobacco and have been diagnosed with a recognized tobacco-related disease or who exhibit symptoms consistent with tobacco related disease.”#N#CPT® descriptions:#N#99406 Smoking and tobacco cessation counseling visit for the symptomatic patient; intermediate, greater than 3 minutes, up to 10 minutes#N#99407 intensive, greater than 10 minutes#N#G0436 Smoking and tobacco cessation counseling visit for the asymptomatic patient; intermediate, greater than 3 minutes, up to 10 minutes#N#G0437 intensive, greater than 10 minutes#N#These counseling services must be submitted with appropriate diagnosis coding to support medical necessity. The claim and documented encounter should include tobacco use status and confirmed tobacco-related diseases, as appropriate.#N#Example: A 67-year-old male Medicare patient presents with exacerbated COPD on oxygen. This patient continues to smoke one pack of cigarettes per day after several failed attempts at quitting. Approximately 15 minutes were spent counseling the patient in cessation techniques. He understands continuing to smoke could lead to stroke and death. The benefits of stopping were also presented to him. The patient has verbalized his desire to “give it another try.” He has set his own goal of 30 days to be completely smoke-free. We will follow up in two weeks to check progress.#N#CPT® coding:#N#99407#N#ICD-10-CM coding:#N#F17.218 Nicotine dependence, cigarettes, with other nicotine-induced disorders#N#J44.1 Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with (acute) exacerbation
